Adopt a Library

Jun 7 2018by Andrew Bouska

In 2017 the Francisco Oller Library in San Juan, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The library is located on the campus of Escuela de Artes y Diseño de Puerto Rico, the only school in Puerto Rico that offers a Bachelor of Fines Arts. The Oller has suffered losses of collections due to mold, lack of electricity and air conditioning, infrastructure damage and much more.

On March 5, 2018, the library finally began offering basic services again. It is hoped that the library will be fully operational within the next year. Library Director Estrella Vázquez said “We have a big challenge: attract and impact again the users who stopped visiting us because the library was closed for such a long period. We are focusing in trying to finding a solutions to offer them all the resources and services, including stable internet and energy, since we are still facing those problems.”

The Council Bluffs Public Library, through the Iowa Library Association and the Adopt a Library Program, is raising funds in conjunction with libraries across the state. The state-wide goal is $15,000, and alll funds raised will be used to replace books, videos, and other materials lost or damaged in the 2017 hurricanes.

There are two ways to donate. Either print the donation form and mail it to ILA or donate online. All donations must be submitted no later than September 4, 2018. Your participation in this effort is greatly appreciated.